Something else to factor in as Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers consider and counsel Aldon Smith: History as a lesson

I bring this up not to bash 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh for a past transgression but to put the 49ers’ current situation with Aldon Smith in a greater perspective, though I’d guess Harbaugh’s (and maybe Smith’s) fans will consider it as an attack in every way, and Harbaugh might, too.

So it goes.

This is part of the factual record. It has some relevance.

According to a Stanford Magazine profile, Harbaugh brought it up himself when he was interviewing for the Stanford job, and it’s good that he did.

He explained it, got past it, I presume he became a better and healthier person for it, and there is no reason to ignore it now–it’s a success story, but it started with Harbaugh’s suspicion of DUI arrest in Encinitas in October 2005 when he was the University of San Diego coach.

In fact, Harbaugh himself said the experience (he plead guilty to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to three years probation and a fine) made him a better counselor to his players. I think this is probably true.

I would also presume that it has made him more vigilant and thoughtful about the DUI issue when dealing with his players–he warns them at the beginning of every season, we know that.

But with Smith there is need for more counseling, it seems. And probably more action.

From the very good Stanford Magazine profile by Roy S. Johnson in 2008…

During an interview with Stanford in April, Harbaugh mentioned the DUI before being asked about it.

“I’ve brought that up with my players a few times,” he said. “I think that’s made me a better counselor than I was before. The way I coached guys before that happened it was like, ‘Why can’t you get it?’ ‘Why can’t you get it right?’ ‘You did this wrong, now fix it!’ I was so much more of a perfectionist, to a fault. But I gained some understanding. In many ways it made me a better person, a better coach, a better counselor.”

Jesus….. Kawasaki, you really are a terrible journalist. Remember that time you got lit up by an Oakland Raiders executive for being a douche in your musings about the raiders? He had a point, and it was awesome to see you actually have to face man to man the people you write about and watch you cower like a little girl.

Lit up?? Looks like Tim stood up to the bully asshole and was definitely NOT cowering.

Brian Niner

Orb Ust…you should take your racist drivel and go back to the 1800’s where it was acceptable. Or, perhaps, you can actually argue with a single thing he wrote (which you probably can’t, because it’s pretty spot-on).

sarchasmic

Don’t feed the trolls.

Also, Harbaugh needs to send a message to Aldon Smith now. While risking a win against the Colts sucks, it’s better than having this come up again in, say, the post-season.

ssclesq

His counseling isn’t working. Hopefully both his counseling and coaching improves soon.

benbrung

It’s not surprising that you think Herrera came out on top to that exchange and someone else was the douche. But, hey . . . not every knife in the drawer needs to be the sharpest. Some people still like to have a butter knife in there, right? So, keep on spreadin’ that . . . um . . . butter.

biggiep

This guy waited for YEARS for this blog to implement a comment system that allows videos to be posted LOL.

Chris Runkle

Brilliant Tim; you write as if no more punishment will come to Aldon.
We all realize that he has a problem, and he will be punished. You
should have the wisdom to know that the punishment won’t be today, and
won’t be next week. It will come after the process is complete.

Kevin Wollersheim

Wtf is happening to the 49ers. Now we have at least 10% of the team with multiple violations of the law. Maybe instead of practice they should AA meetings.

Mike Lyons

This just in from Santa Clara Sheriffs Department. There was no marijuana in Aldon Smiths truck. There was prescription medications. After this weekend Smith will enter treatment. He will have his driver license suspended. This will help Smith stay grounded.